Buyers Guide: HVAC Cleaning Cost
This guide is intended to inform you about why you should get your HVAC system cleaned and what an HVAC cleaning cost covers. So why should you have your HVAC system cleaned? The short answer is simple: because they get dirty over time and they have the potential to contain large amounts of dust and particulates. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and NADCA, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system.
What Is Air Duct & Vent Cleaning?
When a professional cleaner comes into your home to clean ducts and vents, that means they will clean all the different elements in the HVAC system, including the supply and return ducts, grilles, diffusers, exchangers, heating units & cooling systems, drip pans, fans and the air handling unit.
When these aren’t properly maintained and sanitized, they can build up dust, pollen, and even mold. This means when the air conditioner or heater turns on, the spores are released into the air for you to inhale. While some are less harmful, people who have allergies or sensitivity to certain spores will react negatively. Plus, mold is dangerous for anyone to ingest and should be avoided by regular maintenance.
Do Air Ducts Need Cleaning?
In most modern homes with up-to-date heating and air conditioning systems, filters are changed regularly through the year, so you may not even need to hire a professional. However, keep your eyes open for the accumulation of dust, dirt, dander and mold. If you see it despite regularly changing your filters it could be an indication you need a high-pressure cleaning.
Here are some signs you need to call a professional:
- You have insulated ducts that are hard to access
- Recurring mold growth
- Rats or other vermin are crawling in them, or presence of their droppings
- Dust or debris can be seen in the air due to a clogging
- Visible mold
- Recent construction
Proper Cleaning Methods
What You Need to Know About Air Duct Cleaning
Air duct cleaning involves cleaning all components of the system and not doing so can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus minimizing the benefits of cleaning. Cleaning only part of your HVAC system is like cleaning your fish tank and then putting the dirty water back in the tank.
NADCA recommends cleaning the entire HVAC system, including the following components:
- air ducts
- coils
- drain pan
- registers
- grills
- air plenum
- blower motor and assembly
- heat exchanger
- air filter
- air cleaner
There are two key components to HVAC cleaning: breaking contaminants loose, and collection of contaminants.
Breaking Contaminants Loose
Properly cleaning HVAC systems requires removing the sources of contamination. Source removal begins with the use of one or more agitation devices designed to loosen contaminants from the surfaces within the heating and air conditioning system. Examples of agitation devices include: brushes, air whips and compressed air nozzles or “skipper balls.” Agitation can also be achieved through hand-brushing or contact vacuuming.
Collection of Contaminants
During cleaning, the entire HVAC system is placed under continuous negative pressure (a vacuum) to prevent the spread of contaminants. Continuous negative pressure allows very fine particles to be removed from the system as they become airborne, ensuring that these particles are not released into the living space when the system is turned on after cleaning.
System Access
HVAC system cleaning is not a complex process, but each job is unique. Where possible, access to duct interiors should be made through existing openings such as supply diffusers, return grills, duct end caps and existing service openings.
Equipment Requirements
There is a wide variety of equipment available to HVAC cleaning professionals. Both truck-mounted and portable vacuums can be used to stop the spread of contaminants and get the system cleaned to the NADCA Standard.
Antimicrobial Chemicals
Antimicrobial chemicals include sanitizers, disinfectants and deodorizers that can be applied to nonporous surfaces in HVAC systems to address microbial contamination and help control odors. Only chemicals registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be used. Review the NADCA White Paper on Chemical Applications in HVAC Systems for more information.
How Much Does It Cost To Clean Ducts & Vents?
Average HVAC Cleaning Cost
Cleaning ducts and a general HVAC cleaning cost between $263 and $472, but as with many services, the bigger and dirtier the project, the more you’ll need to pay. When a professional comes to assess the needs of your system, they will consider:
Residential vs Commercial
The average HVAC cleaning cost of keeping your residential ductwork orderly is going to vary greatly from that of a commercial building. This is because commercial air ducts are often larger and more extensive. Residential cleanings can cost an average of about $20-$30 per vent. For commercial buildings, service providers must do an estimate of your space before they can provide an accurate quote. Before factoring in the materials and the number A/C and furnace units, you can expect a commercial project to cost at least $35-$50 per hour.
Mold and Mildew Removal
The amount of debris or mold present in your system could certainly ratchet up the overall price. The cost of mildew removal is around $0.07-0.08 per square foot, on top of your initial cost, according to Blue Book.
Custom Designed Ducts
Most residential air duct systems are installed in a predictable fashion or are easy to figure out. However, you can expect a higher quote if your system has been custom-designed
Commercial systems are often customized to fit the building they serve. They are almost guaranteed to feature added components, and will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The more difficult the construction is to maneuver, the more you can expect to pay.
Dryer Vent Cleaning – $130 avg
While you consider having your air ducts cleaned, it is a good idea to take a look at your dryer vent. If your dryer vent is clogged, you could be losing energy efficiency.
Average AC & Furnace Cleaning Costs
Ductwork cleaning involves more components than just the ducts themselves. The air conditioning unit and/or furnace must be addressed during the task. Maintaining these components is key to improving efficiency. The following are an average HVAC cleaning costs of cleaning the various kinds of AC and furnace units.
| Type of A/C | Cost Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Central Unit (ext) | $7 – $13 |
| Central Unit (int/ext) | $28 – $60 |
| Swamp Cooler (int) | $30 – $100 |
| Swamp Cooler (ext) | $12 – $30 |
| Wall Mount (ext) | $6 – $20 |
| Wall Mount (ext/int) | $20 – $45 |
| Window Mount | $5 – $20 |
| Window Mount (ext/int) | $20 – $45 |
| Type of Furnace | Cost Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Floor | $17 – $40 |
| Forced Air | $12 – $30 |
| Overhead | $19 – $45 |
| Wall | $9 – $30 |
Your cleaning service should involve all aspects of your ductwork to maximize energy efficiency and air quality. This includes attending to the heat exchanger, blower, drain pan, plenum and coils as well. In the process, your service provider may find that you’re facing larger issues than debris and build-up. The professional may recommend having your furnace repaired if they notice, for example, damage to your heat exchanger or blower motor. Generally, a furnace repair costs between $130 and $500. They may also find that an A/C coil needs to be replaced rather than cleaned and would then recommend A/C repair.
Evaporator & Condenser Coils – $100 – $400
Having evaporator and condenser coils cleaned could cost between $100 and $400. If your coils can be accessed in-place, you’ll be looking at a lower service cost. If your technician needs to remove them first, the cost should be around $400.
Now that you understand the benefits of a professional ductwork cleaning and the HVAC cleaning cost associated with your given situation you can now make an informed decision when contacting an HVAC cleaning service professional. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (919) 702-7087, contact us here or reach out on Facebook.
